August 6, 2014

Mayor Emanuel, Partners Announce Anti-Violence Initiatives Generated By Community Process

CPD Expanding Partnership with State Police on Fugitive Apprehension Team

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Mayor Rahm Emanuel was joined by leaders from City government, faith groups and community organizations today to reconvene a private meeting first held on July 21 at Police Headquarters to discuss joint efforts to combat gun violence and strengthen communities. The group announced today that this community process already generated a series of anti-violence initiatives, including an expanded partnership between Chicago Police and State Police, and new private funding for community events.

"We all have a role to play in the safety of our city, and I'm proud to bring so many partners together to focus on real solutions that will help ensure every child in every neighborhood has the safety and opportunities they deserve," said Mayor Emanuel. "Whether it's moving more administrative officers back to the street or expanding our partnership with the State Police, we'll continue to look for ways to put more police where they're needed, while also giving our young people alternatives to the street."

At Mayor Emanuel's request, Illinois State Police will expand their partnership with Chicago Police, adding 40 State Police Officers to CPD's Fugitive Unit to help with the detection, location, investigation and apprehension of wanted fugitives in Chicago. CPD's Fugitive Unit is manpower intensive, following up on arrest warrants, surveillance, intensive computer investigations, and all investigative leads.

“The state of Illinois will do whatever is necessary to protect public safety – in Chicago and every community across Illinois,” Governor Pat Quinn said. “Earlier this year I told Mayor Emanuel we would help in any way we could to combat violence in the city. When he requested assistance, I immediately agreed to help.”

"While it's true that there have been fewer murders in Chicago this year than any year since 1963, there's still much more work to be done and partnerships like these are vital to our success as a police department," said Chicago Police Superintendent Garry F. McCarthy. "This new expansion of our partnership with State Police will help get dangerous and violent wanted criminals off the streets."

Additionally, Mariano's Fresh Market has committed $10,000 to providing food for Faith in Action community events throughout August in the communities most impacted by violence this summer. After the entire city came together for Faith in Action events over Memorial Day weekend, and Chicago went 42 hours without a shooting.

On Monday, Get In Chicago, a private/public partnership that complements the City's efforts to improve neighborhood safety, will release an RFP for another round of grant funding up to $3.5 million. The grants will be awarded for projects in high-impact areas of juvenile violence that strive to determine what works best for at-risk youth. They will comprise mentoring, cognitive behavioral and family therapy and parent leadership, and will be measured intensely to assess their success potential. Organizations can apply at www.getinchicago.org. A bidders' conference is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 15, to inform community groups on how to submit applications, to attend you must RSVP at info@getinchicago.org.

"I am very pleased that Mayor Emanuel has committed to a community process to address our public safety challenges," said Rev. Dr. L. Bernard Jakes. "He is listening and responding. The investments and action he is bringing to the table will be benefit neighborhoods throughout the city. The City can't do this alone, however, and we all have to ask ourselves how we can contribute to the solution."

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